Smoking caused fire which left woman seriously injured

A fire investigation into the blaze which left a woman with severe burns in Chell has concluded that smoking materials were the cause

Unfortunately this is something we are seeing more of recently which is why we are continuing to make residents aware of the SAME campaign which highlights the four factors that increase the likelihood of dying in a fire. They are Smoking Alcohol Mobility issues and being Elderly. In this case the resident had poor mobility and was smoking.

Station Manager David Steele

The Service was called to Turnhurst Road on Monday January 15 at 2.15pm after reports of a house fire. When crews from Sandyford and Hanley arrived they found the fire, which started in the bedroom, was already out.

A woman in her 40s suffered severe burns to her chest and arms and was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital by ambulance.

Station Manager David Steele said: “This is a tragic incident which has left this woman serious injured and we are thinking of her and her loved ones.

“The fire investigation found that the woman was smoking in bed at the time of the incident. We believe the smoking materials set alight the bedding which caused the blaze and led to the woman being seriously burnt.

“Unfortunately this is something we are seeing more of recently which is why we are continuing to make residents aware of the SAME campaign which highlights the four factors that increase the likelihood of dying in a fire. They are Smoking Alcohol Mobility issues and being Elderly. In this case the resident had poor mobility and was smoking.

“Smoking in bed is extremely dangerous and we would advise people, where possible, to avoid it. It is also essential to use an appropriate ashtray and to empty it regularly.”